Welcome To The Machine

Chap 5

Good Girls Don't, But I do

Kensuke Aida sighed happily as he sank into his girlfriends couch. He had just completed a month in hell, otherwise known as training under the Red Devil herself, Asuka Soryu-Sagara. While it wasn't as bad as it looked there were days that he regretted his wanting to be like Rei's brother and sister in law. The physical training and conditioning part wasn't that bad, as an avid camper and airsoft player he was in fairly good shape. It was the hand to hand combat form known as Systema, that was the killer, not only to his body but also his mind. Something about having a 105 pound 15 year old red haired girl kick your ass on a daily basis would do that to you.

Kensuke also realized that while an exacting task master, Asuka was good at her job and actually taught the teen better than anyone else he knew. She not only taught him hand to hand combat but firearms as well. Kensuke was a little depressed as the first two sessions were classroom instruction as all the weapons he would be either issued or cleared for use were covered. When he was actually allowed to shoot on the range he at first reverted to his weapon otaku nature. It was when Asuka had taken the pistol from his hands while giving him a look that was half disappointment and half disapproval did he begin to take things seriously.

All in all the last month was a very intense learning period. Now he was enjoying his time off before having to return to school. Rei had went into the kitchen for a minute to get her and Kensuke something to drink and on her return found her boyfriend looking at his newly issued Mithril/NERV identity card. He was one of only four students of Tokyo 3 High School that was issued one. While it was a status symbol of sorts he was not to flash it around. The whole idea of him being Rei's bodyguard was to be a closely guarded secret, he was an unknown part of her protection equation and will remain so for as long as possible.

As he lay on the couch thinking his cell phone rang. The caller ID said 'Unknown' but that meant nothing these days as it could be a contact from NERV or the section two detail in and around their building, he having moved in with his girlfriend during the last few days. It was convenient for his new station in life and actually had the blessing of not only the commander and Rei's father figure but her brother and sister in law's as well. His own father had mixed feelings as ever since the death of his wife nearly fifteen years ago in a mysterious laboratory 'accident' it had just been him and his only son. On the one hand he was proud that his boy had been more or less hand picked for an important duty as the last line of defense for a girl that was important to the world and it's fate, but at the same time worried that Kensuke stood a very good chance of being hurt or killed doing his duty. All things considered though the elder Aida knew this was what his son wanted to do and he actually had begun to love Rei as a daughter so reluctantly he gave his blessing to both of them to make their mark on the world. In fact the elder of the Aida's had went furniture shopping with the pair and signed the contracts on the purchases since his son had yet to receive his NERV ID card. So as it was Kensuke and Rei were now sharing a two bedroom apartment in Tokyo3 that was close to school, Rei's brother, Misato and Kaji and last but not least access through the building's basement to the Geo Front.

Sighing he answered on the fourth ring, "Hello, who's calling?"

"Is this Aida Kensuke?" the voice on the other end asked. While older sounding the voice had a friendly tone to it so Kensuke acknowledged his caller,

"Yes, this is he, what's the nature of this call?"

"Good morning then," Kensuke could almost see the smile of the man calling, "My name is Kazama Shinji, I'm a friend of Sagara Shinji and his parents, he asked that I arrange a meeting with you."

Hearing the name startled Kensuke, the man on the other end was one of post 2I Japan's greatest heroes, it's first Arm Slave triple Ace, and he was asking to meet him, a nobody kid named Kensuke. After a moment his brain rebooted and before he went full otaku he took a deep breath and let it out.

"General Kazama-dono, I would be honored to meet you but I'm curious as to why."

"Shinji-kun is like a nephew to me and your name came up while we were last talking. He noted that you and I had a few similar interests and that we should meet. Since I don't see him that much these days I figured it wouldn't hurt to meet with his friends, especially since they have a common, should we say occupational interest as he and his father?"

Kensuke swallowed, his duties were supposed to be a secret and here's a retired JGSDF general hinting that he knew of it. Before he could ask Kazama continued,

"Don't worry about how I know things, I'm one of Sousuke's coworkers as well as his best friend from high school. How about you and Shinji's sister meet me and my wife this afternoon? I'll text you the address you can request a car from NERV's motor pool. It's one of your perks if you've not been told, so see you for a late lunch?"

After a moment of thought Kensuke gave his answer, "Sure, that'll give us time to get properly dressed and have the car ready."

Kazama laughed at that, "So, it sounds like you're adjusting to your new situation well, I remember that Shinji-kun's parents when they finally got their stuff together would laze around that apartment of theirs in the mornings. Oh well, can't be young forever, see you in a bit."

"Yes General, Rei and I will see you soon," with that Kensuke closed the connection and looked at his girlfriend who just returned from the kitchen.

"Ken? Are you alright? Who was on the phone?" Rei asked seeing how her boyfriend was spacing out.

"Huh? Oh Rei, I'm fine it's just that we got invited to have a late lunch with one of your brother's friends. Ever hear of Kazama Shinji?"

"He's Japan's first triple Arm Slave Ace, I believe that he was named for an uncle that was a mercenary fighter pilot during the Aslan civil war, Kazama Shin I believe. If I remember correctly he was a multiple fighter ace with over eighty air to air kills and many more destroyed ground targets, why do you ask?"

"Okay, first how do you all that and second, that was him on the phone," Aida answered.

"I believe I have met him in the past and I was required to know all about the JSDF and JSSDF officers of the rank of Colonel and above. My fa...the Commander required it of me since he entertained many of them while Tokyo3 and NERV were being readied for operation."

"Yeah, that would explain it," Kensuke said more to himself before looking at his girl, "Anyway, somehow I need to request a car from the motor pool to take us to his place and we need to get dressed for the visit."

Rei smiled at the thought of meeting someone that knew her brother, there was so much that she didn't know about him so she was looking forward to this lunch, "Get in the shower, I'll have a car show up in an hour."

"Okay but don't you have to shower too?" Kensuke asked.

Rei smiled wider, "Silly, that's why I made sure our bath is so big."

As his grin got wider than a Cheshire Cat's the teen boy ran to the bathroom to start the water. As he was doing that Rei was on the phone to arrange for their ride before she joined her boyfriend. With a final call to inform S2 of their afternoon plans she walked to the shower that was already running.

Two hours later the teens arrived at their destination in a quiet residential district. Walking through the open gate they were greeted by a man in his thirties of medium height and build with medium brown hair and glasses. While he was approaching middle age the man appeared very fit. Seeing his guests enter the front yard he greeted them with a big smile.

"Ahh, welcome to my home Aida-san, Ayanami-san, I'm Kazama Shinji."

Both teens bowed in respect to the living legend as Kensuke spoke, "We're honored to be here Kazama-dono. I'm Aida Kensuke as you know, this is my girlfriend and Shinji's sister Ayanami Rei. Pardon our intrusion."

"Not at all, you're always welcome. Please this way, my wife is just setting down our lunch. I hope you like western food, Kyoko is trying out a recipe that Kaname, Shinji's mother sent her. And please, it's just Shinji nowadays, at least out of uniform."

As they entered the rather large and spacious house Kazama called out, "Kyoko, our guests have arrived. Is everything ready?"

"Yes, take your seats I'm bringing out the final dish," replied a female voice that sounded like a young girl in her early teens.

Entering the dining area Kensuke was surprised to see a woman in pigtails and large framed but fashionable glasses setting a serving bowl filled with what looked like some kind of potato on the table. Shinji caught the confused look in Kensuke's eyes and laughed a bit.

"My childhood friend, high school sweet heart and wife Kyoko. Kyoko, Ayanami Rei and her boyfriend Aida Kensuke."

All three bowed at the introductions before Kyoko spoke up, "A pleasure to meet you two, now please sit and enjoy the meal. I hope you like beef, Kaname sent me the recipe for...what did she call it Shinji-kun?"

"I believe she called it a pot roast," her husband answered.

"Yes, of course. Anyway, there's the roast, mashed potatoes with gravy and some steamed veggies. Kana-chan likes to use green beans but Shinji-kun likes this better," the woman said as she pointed out the various foods and condiments on the table.

As everyone sat down Kyoko looked at the teen girl across from her, "So Rei, I understand that you're Shinji-kun's little sister?"

"Yes, we, Kensuke and I, found out a while ago before I contacted Shinji, I kept putting it off thinking he would reject me but he didn't."

"That's not surprising, his parents raised him to have an open mind and a big heart. We've known him since he was a small boy, about six years old and he would spend time with us when his classes were on break. After lunch I can show you his room, I don't think he'll be staying here anymore since he and his wife have their own place," Kyoko told the girl.

The lunch was filling and leisurely and all four parties enjoyed the conversation. Soon it was over however and as Shinji and Kensuke walked towards his office Rei helped Kyoko clear the table and then helped clean up. The males by then had entered the office and Shinji had Kensuke take a seat.

Sitting down himself Shinji began to speak, "So, Kensuke, Shinji-kun has indicated that we have a common interest and I'd like to talk about it if you don't mind.

Looking around the room Kensuke saw countless models of military hardware and dioramas including the event that gained the older man his first taste of fame. Over on a wall a collection of airsoft guns were displayed and on another wall sat a shelf of various cameras from early film using models to the latest digital devices. In a word the teen was awed.

"Sure, he replied, "let's talk, is that an M9 Gernsback that you're working on?"

"Yes, my third in fact. Not too many were made before the country was sucked into a war that we didn't want. What about this one, recognize it? How about this one? He asked as held up an model AS with what looked like a plume of hair erupting from it's head."

Kensuke looked hard but finally shook his head in defeat, "No, I'm sorry but I don't think I've ever seen those, what are they something from foreign military's?"

Letting out a small laugh Kazama shook his head, "No, not officially that is. I'm not surprised that you don't know about them. This one is the AXR7 Arbalest, there was only one made and it was piloted back then by an unknown mercenary by the name of Sgt. Sagara Sousuke, Shinji's father when he was about a year or two older than you. The other was never given a model number, not that we know of. It was code named the Venom and Sousuke, according to Kaname, battled three at one time in the Hong Kong Incident. I'm sure you've read about it."

"All I remember was that it was instigated by three unknown AS's thought to be operated by the North and they were countered by a prototype from the South. But, that's not the true story is it?"

"No, the Venom's were led by a madman trying to find and defeat a fourth Venom whose pilot was loyal to a former member of his organization, Amalgam. Sousuke fought the Amalgam units in the Arbalest in the employ of Mithril."

"Those were trying days, not that we were never threatened, we were at least three times that most of us know of, but prior to that incident Sousuke had been recalled from his assignment and Kaname was left unguarded. She was almost killed but she proved better than her stalker. Eventually she found out where Sagara was and helped him defeat his foes. Afterwards there was a meeting and Sagara had offered to take a cut in pay to be able to stay with Kaname, Mithril agreed. Except for the year or so when she had been kidnapped those two have been together ever since. Now I suppose you're wondering why I told you this, right?"

"Well a little although I appreciate the history lesson. I'd never heard of those two AS's before today," Kensuke answered.

"The reason is this, you are going to be hearing and seeing things that nobody needs to know about outside of NERV and Mithril, who you actually work for. Shinji has told me about you and your friends misadventure and and stay in NERV's brig. You need to reign in your curiosity and your...otaku nature, if not you'll put not only Shinji in danger but his wife, sister and yourself as well."

Kensuke was quiet for a while after that statement, it had really hit home, especially after the incident during Shinji's second battle. He never had really thought of the consequences of his actions, now he had to, for the safety of Rei and her family's sake. He was beginning to understand Shinji's temperament and why he looked like he was pissed off 24/7 anytime he was not in his, Misato's or Rei's home, the teen had to take into account every unknown variable to his and his family's safety every time they left their homes. Only now did he understand.

"So," Kensuke began, "you said you went to school with his father, was Shinji's dad as uptight as he is?"

That question produced a laugh from the elder male, "No, not at all," hearing that Aida began to relax until Kazama continued, "Sousuke was worse. Most times he looked like he had swallowed vinegar and would more likely shoot first before understanding the threat or in most cases lack of one. Back then it seemed that his motto was 'When in doubt, blow it up," Kensuke noted that the older man actually let loose a little laugh at that memory.

Kensuke kept quiet as he sensed there was more to the story, he was right, "Kaname, Kyoko and I thought that Sousuke was an otaku that was a little too involved with his hobby, actually the whole school thought that way. Boy, were we wrong. Look, it's a long story and when we have more time I'll tell you what I know, but look up the hijacking and rescue of the Jindai High class trip, during that time Shinji's mom was taken off the airliner by the hijackers and some how Sousuke was able to sneak off and find her. He also contacted Mithril and arranged for our rescue but in the chaos he and Kaname as well as a fellow Mithril AS driver were left behind."

"Well, as you can tell everything worked out but at the beginning of the ordeal do you want to know what was going through my mind?"

"No, what?" Aida asked genuinely interested.

"I was actually crying in happiness at seeing the old equipment and early AS models the county we landed in had. To me it was a once in a lifetime thing, it wasn't until our sensei, I believe she's your sensei now, had a gun to her head that it dawned that we might all be killed. It wasn't until later that I and Kyoko read the report on that incident as well as the one one our Christmas class trip."

That got Kensuke thinking, how did this man know so much of Shinji's old man's missions anyway? "Kazama-san, I'm wondering how you know so much about Sagara-san's missions anyway. Were the reports shared with the GSDF?"

"Oh no, we didn't learn anything until just after I was released from national service and the post 2I wars were over. You see, at that time only a few places were hiring Vets like myself and degree holders like my wife, the UN, NERV and Mithril. Because of Sousuke and Kaname who recruited us, we chose Mithril. And the reason I know so much about you is that we're still employed and are Shinji-kun's case managers, just like we are with you.

Meanwhile Rei had finished helping Kyoko clean up from lunch and was now looking into the room her brother would stay in while visiting Japan as a child. Casting her eyes about they landed on toys a small boy would play with as well as a small study desk and a bookcase filled with not only reference and fiction hard and paperback books but manga volumes as well. One thing she noticed that was missing were there were no toy guns a young male would normally play with. As she neared the bed she swore that she could detect her brother's scent. Turning she saw Kyoko smiling at her,

"You look so much like him, well except the hair and eyes of course. This was and always will be Shinji's room, well until my husband and I can get our family going."

"I see," replied the blue haired girl, "are you two just putting it off for a later date?"

Kyoko shook her head, "No, when I was in my last year in school this group, Amalgam, decided to take Kaname hostage. Sousuke tried to save her and the rest of us but I was injured when a bomb went off and it sent a large chunk of metal into my body. Some of the damage done was to my reproductive organs, at first the doctors said the damage wasn't that bad. Well, over the years the scarring got worse. One of the reasons we both joined Mithril was because of the contacts it has with medical facilities so hopefully..."

"I see," Rei replied as the other woman trailed off, it all made sense now, "So, I guess that Shinji-kun is not just a child that spent his time here?"

"No, although he was seven when he first stayed he's like a son to both of us," Kyoko replied, "in fact should anything happen to Kaname and Sousuke Shinji-kun would become our ward since we're his God parents. Well, second set as Sousuke's teammates are his god parents as well, see, Shinji and I watch over him while he's here in Japan. His father's friends do the same on the island they all are stationed at."

"My brother is very lucky to have as many people in his life that love and care for him. His real father had planned to socially isolate him and make so starved for love and attention that my brother would be easily manipulated. I'm grateful that you and your husband made sure that he knows he's loved and wanted as he grew up," Rei told the older woman before looking around the room a little more closely, "I see that he's got plenty of toys but I don't see..."

"Toy guns?" at that Rei nodded as Kyoko continued, "He, his siblings and friends on the Island aren't allowed to have them. They've been exposed to real ones all their lives so their parents, Kaname especially, decided to keep those toys out of their playthings. I don't know if it was a lie to soothe the guilt of their parents or a true desire to keep the children children for as long as possible, but my husband and I honored Kana and Sousuke's wishes. When Shinji would come here with his mom that ban was continued."

Rei smiled at that tidbit, she was learning more and more about Shinji and with all she had learned the closer she felt to him. In fact this was the most at one time that she'd found out about his early years. It pained her to know that she could never tell him the real story of her early life, having been made from both human and angel DNA made that impossible.

As she and Kyoko continued to talk and get to know one another her attention turned to her boyfriend. Shinji had warned her about today's meeting. Kensuke was still too much of an otaku for his liking and he hoped that this talk, a meeting of the minds so to speak, would finally break him of it. A hobby or two were nice, that's a given, lord knows he and Asuka had a few, but he went beyond hobbies into obsessions and that could not continue. Not if he wanted to keep Rei safe and be a backup to himself.

As that was going on the males were winding down their conversation. Kensuke was still stunned at finding out his case manager, the person that would call the shots should a mission come in from Mithril that needed to be handled was the man in front of him. He hadn't thought of that happening and if what he had heard about some of Shinji's missions were true then people would die.

Seeing the distressed look on the boy's face Kazama began to understand, "I know what you're thinking when I said 'missions'. Anything that you've heard regarding Shinji-kun's assignments is true, but you won't be going on things like that. Simply put, Shinji had better and more intensive training than you and he started at age eight. Anything I assign to you will be primarily intel gathering or preliminary recon, I heard you're quite the hacker getting into NERV as many times as you've done. Rei is a perfect cover for a physical, boots on the ground recon of a store or eatery since no one ever suspects two kids your age on a date so don't worry about killing someone."

Kensuke nodded and was going to reply before he was cut off, "I'd like to go on but it's getting late and I have an important meeting in the morning in Kyoto so it was very nice meeting you and Rei. Let me show you the way out."

Rei and Kyoko met their mates at the door just as the motor pool car pulled up, Kensuke figured it was his girlfriend that called for it. Saying their good byes the four parted ways and the teens left for a movie in the city center. As the car pulled out of sight Kazama pulled out his cell phone. Hitting a number on his speed dial he spoke as it was answered on the second ring,

"It's me...No, as your dad would say, it's not a problem...I think I got to him, but you were right, he is worse than me...Your sister is one of a kind and he is very attentive to her so I think you made the right choice for her protection...Okay thanks, hey, I have a meeting with your mom and dad in Kyoto early in the morning, want to pass on a message?...Okay Shinji, I'll tell them, say hi to your sensei for me...You too, goodnight."

Rei and Kensuke had the driver take them to the entertainment district. On the way they had called Toji and Hikari and asked that they meet them there. Both of their friends readily agreed since they had hardly seen Kensuke in the past month. Their wait was short as the NERV vehicle pulled up and let the two teens inside step out. Rei leaned back in and told the driver that she would call when they were ready to go home and to bring a car suitable for four people.

Toji walked up and slapped his friend on the shoulder, "Ken my man! So, I see the Red Devil didn't steal your soul, how you feeling?"

"Oh, just fine," the teen answered, "and Asuka isn't that bad once you get to know her. She's tough though, I'll tell you that, boy is she tough."

"Oh? And how badly did you lose to her?" his friend asked with a grin.

"Well, at first she was mopping the floor with me almost every day but as the weeks went on I got better. Look, I'm no expert like Shinji or Asuka but I'm getting there. I've got the basics down and I have training every other day during the week so it's not like I can slack off," Kensuke replied.

Hearing the boys talk about more or less work Hikari turned to Rei, "So how improved is he? I mean he's got an edge to him now doesn't he?"

Rei looked at her boyfriend and blushed a little, Hikari was right, the last month had toughened up Kensuke and he looked it, "He, he was strong before hand but now, he now has the start of a six pack. I'm afraid that the girls in our class might begin to want him should they ever see him without his shirt on."

Hikari patted her friend on the shoulder, "Don't worry Rei, they had their chance years ago. How long has he been with you?"

"Since primary school, It wasn't until middle school that we started dating," Rei answered.

"Well see, you two were the first ones in our class to start dating and you're still together. How many couples have split up in the last year? Too many that's how many, you and Kensuke are the most stable and loving couple in class, well aside from your brother and Asuka as well as Toji and I of course," Hikari told the girl.

"Hey, speaking of your brother, is it true that him and the Devil were caught doing the deed in an amusement park?" Toji asked Rei before getting smacked by his own girlfriend.

"Yes," came the answer but what surprised the other couple was what came next, "they were getting intimate when some people tried to kill them. Shinji was able to protect Asuka and both killed their attackers. There are pictures of the incident, Captain Katsuragi tried to keep me from seeing them but Kensuke was able to hack in and get copies. They were most interesting, weren't they Kensuke?"

"You mean that your brother and Asuka... in public? With people around?" asked a shocked and scandalized Hikari.

"Oh yes, they are very loving to each other and show it to the other whenever the mood strikes," Rei replied innocently, "I can't wait until Kensuke and I are able to become that close."

At that point Hikari wisely decided to drop the subject but not before hitting Toji one last time for getting a massive nosebleed. The foursome walked to the cinema and purchased tickets for a revival of "Blade Runner", it was just about they only sci-fi film that the others outside of Rei could tolerate. As the theater was one of the older ones, built just after the Second World War, it had a balcony so that's where the two couples sat.

Just as the lights went down for the movie to start the foursome heard a couple moving behind them taking their seats. At first all anyone could hear was the movie but over time faint moans could be heard from the couple behind them. No one turned around as it was just part of the ambiance of the theater but gradually the moans got a little louder as snippets of English was heard.

"SSSSSS, yes, oh baby right there," a female voice could be heard behind them, "Oh yeah, Naruto-kun, can you feel how wet you're getting me?"

"Disgusting," Hikari whispered to the others, "The nerve of some people."

"Yeah babe but that voice seems familiar though, I know I've heard it some where," Toji replied also in a whisper.

Soon the girl quieted down as the movie went on but then the small group began to hear sounds like someone eating a large object. At that Kensuke turned around and in the dark all he could make out was the girls head of pink hair bobbing up and down in her lover's lap. Trying not to bleed from his nose Kensuke nudged Toji,

"Dude, don't look but that girl is sucking her date off."

Hikari heard a little of what was said and had Toji repeat it for her which caused her to gasp in shock. "Now that's just rude," she whispered to Rei.

Rei however was listening intently as she thought she recognized the girls voice. All was quiet until she heard the guy speak up also in English, "Geezz Sakura baby, you better stop or I'm going to blow."

'That sounds like...no he wouldn't be here, they said that they were going out of town for the day,' Rei thought to herself as Hikari frowned and the boys snickered at what was going on behind them.

Just as things began to settle down the girl behind them began to urgently whisper again, "Oh god baby I need you in me right fucking now! Yeah, that's it oh, oh, ooooohhhhh yeahhhh slide that monster in me, right there baby, yeah baby, that's the spot," just as Hikari turned around to give the lewd couple a piece of her mind the girls next exclamation shook them all up, "Ohhhh yeahhh Naruto-kun, yeah that's it. You know just what I like don't you?"

"Anything for my Sakura-chan, anything for you my love," the male whispered back as Hikari sat as if petrified.

Kensuke looked at Toji and raised an eyebrow, "Naruto? Sakura-chan? Dude who the fuck are these two?" he whispered to his friend.

"I don't know but they sound familiar," replied Toji as both boys turned around to see...

It was Rei that broke the spell, as she herself turned to face the couple she couldn't help herself, "So that's what making love looks like. Is it as fun as it looks Asuka?"

"Rei!?" screamed Asuka, "Wha...what are you doing here?"

"Trying to watch a movie with my boyfriend, what are you doing here?"

"I..uh.. we...well," the flustered girl turned to her husband, "Say something stupid."

"I'm...coming," was all she got out of her spouse as he emptied himself into her.

By now Hikari was on her feet and glaring at her friend, "Asuka Sagara, what is going on in that mind of yours? Having relations in the theater? In Public? Don't you know that this could hurt your reputation?"

"So could yelling out my name, I don't think the people in the first row heard you so can you yell out my name again? Seriously Hikari, just cool it and get off of your high horse or do you want me to tell you all I know about what you and the Stooge do when your father's not home?" Asuka hissed back, "Besides, don't knock it if you've never tried it Hikari, it's such a rush."

About this time Toji's mind had rebooted, "Shin-man? Is that you?"

"Yeah Toji, it's me. Now I don't mind you looking at us when we're...occupied but now the show is over so could you, you know, turn around?"

"Ahh, yeah, sorry. Hey at least Kensuke forgot his camera this time around," Toji said with a nervous laugh.

"He better," Asuka hissed, "or he'll pay in Monday's training session."

Turning to her husband she whispered, "I thought you said that your sister and the others wouldn't want to watch a movie like this. If they so much as say one thing about this in class I'm cutting your nuts off."

With that everyone just watched the movie as the sight of a semi-naked Asuka danced in both Toji and Kensuke's mind while Hikari was trying to get the sight of Shinji's equipment out of hers. It's not like she'd never seen one, she and Toji sometimes fooled around like Asuka suggested but never in public. She wasn't as bold as her red haired friend and it showed in her personality. Rei however was thinking about how nice it would be for her to do something like that with Kensuke.

When the movie ended the three couples all got up and left the theater. After a quick discussion they all headed to a small cafe and began to order dinner. Asuka just looked at the menu and sighed,

"I don't know what I want, all I know is that for some reason I've worked up and appetite. Let's see, Shinji, if I ordered sausage smothered in pancakes would you eat half of it?"

As Shinji answered Kensuke choked on his water, the double meaning of what Asuka said making it's way to his brain. What Rei said next didn't help matters,

"That sounds good, Kensuke if you ordered that would you share your sausage with me?"

"Uhh, sure Rei, I'd share my sausage with you anytime," the glasses wearing teen replied as Toji's heart almost stopped and Hikari turned bright red.

Finally everyone settled down and ordered, Asuka deciding that teasing everyone had gone on long enough, for now at least. At about the same time Kensuke noticed what the Ikari's were wearing. Looking at their clothes he just had to ask,

"Shinji? Why are you dressed like Uzumaki Naruto and Asuka like Haruno Sakura?"

"Because he couldn't find his sharingan contact lenses of course, duh," Asuka replied.

"So, you usually dress as Naruto or is it the emo?" Aida asked his friend.

"Naruto," Asuka once again answered, "His eyes are just blue enough to pull it off, but some times he dresses like Sasuke and I dress as Hinata to piss off the Sasuke and Sakura fans."

Kensuke couldn't help himself as he asked another question, "Owww, that's just mean. So, who do you ship? This pairing or..."

"Naruto and Sakura all the way," Shinji finally spoke up, "I mean they were the couple for almost all the manga. I don't know what they were smoking at the end but it just didn't make sense."

At this Toji's mouth dropped, Shinji, as well as Asuka were as rabid as Kensuke was where otaku were concerned. They were from the dark side, sure, they do outrageous things like have sex in public, kill monsters and pilot giant robots but cosplay? The poor guy just sighed, it seemed that all his heroes have feet of clay.

Aida paid no mind as he asked more questions, "Who else do you dress up as?"

"Asuka makes a wicked Sailor Moon and I'm not a bad Tuxedo Mask," was Shinji's reply before Asuka chimed in.

"He also makes a great Kanta from Desert Punk and I'm not a bad looking Kosuna. He's also my Kazuto to my Narue and Tsukune to my Moka," Asuka added.

"So, where did you and my brother go to today?" asked Rei.

"Oh, there was a cosplay event in Tokyo-2 that we've been waiting to go to. Thank goodness no Angels attacked but if they did Misato had a VTOL on standby at the heliport near by," Asuka explained.

Hikari was still fuming about her friends earlier behavior and Asuka noticed the class reps mood, "What's wrong Hikari? You realize that your stooge has been doing it all wrong?"

"NO! Asuka, I just can't believe that you and Shinji-kun would do something like that! In a theater of all places, have you no shame?" Hikari asked as she scolded her friend.

Asuka was not upset at the lecture, she and Shinji had had worse from her minders, Agent Smith was usually the one to talk to her and for some reason he was the one that could get her to feel a little guilty for what she had been caught doing. But that was beside the point, she got to tease Hikari at a whole new level.

Looking at her husband and pointedly ignoring Hikari Asuka began to speak to him, "See? I told you that when we cosplay we should use our character's names. The look on Hikari and stooge's faces was worth it."

"SIGH, Asuka, you know that won't work, every time one of us gets close to the edge we break character. It was just blind luck that Rei realized it was us. Hikari might be right though," Shinji said with a smirk, "maybe we should keep something like this in our home and not out in the streets."

"But it's not as much fun at home," Asuka pouted while looking at Hikari as if the girl canceled Christmas and tossed orphans out into the street, "Anyway, it's Hikari's fault for making us feel bad about what we do to enjoy ourselves."

"Me? How is it my fault?" said girl replied in shock.

"Well, you were the one that got the attitude about what we were doing, Rei didn't seem to mind and I'm fairly sure the two stooges weren't complaining, so it has to be your fault,"Asuka shot back and then stuck out her tongue.

By then Rei and Shinji both had grown tired of the bickering and told the two girls to knock it off and get ready to pay the bill.

As the group of teens left the cafe they walked to the side of the street near a parking structure where Shinji had parked his car. He and Asuka waited until the NERV SUV that Rei had called arrived. As the two couples loaded themselves into the vehicle Shinji told Kensuke to watch over his sister very closely. After that the married teen took his wife's hand and made his way to his own transport.

Later that evening Rei had settled herself onto Kensuke's lap and was sharing a gentle but passionate kiss. As the kiss heated up so did our young couple with Kensuke massaging Rei's womanhood through her underwear. Rei began to return the favor and was stroking her lover through his clothing. The girl began to moan softly as her breast was gently squeezed with her love's unoccupied hand.

Standing up she grabbed her lover by the wrist and uttered one word, "Bedroom," before rushing into the adjoining room. Quickly removing their clothing both teens came together in a loving hug, their lips contacting with what seemed like a spark of electricity. While the pair had seen each other naked in the past many times tonight was different, it was as if by unspoken agreement both knew tonight would be the night they took their relationship into it's final step, they were going to make love for the first time in their lives.

As they felt the contact of the others body they felt what was like an electrical spark. Mixed with the excitement of their lust was the overwhelming feeling of love between the two. As they kissed Kensuke maneuvered himself and his love to the side of the bed. As they made contact with the mattress they lost balance and fell onto the soft surface. Rei pouted when he lover broke the kiss as he scrambled to place himself on top of her body. She sighed as his warmth covered her like a soothing blanket.

Feeling the return of his lovers kiss Kensuke reached down and began to run his finger over and then inside Rei's lower lips. As she stroked her he felt the lips of Rei's vagina becoming soaked with her moisture. As he lined himself up he noticed that Rei had an abundance of peach fuzz covering her outer lips that grew slightly thicker the further up it went, ending in a very light blue triangle covering her mound. As his manhood made contact his kisses became more feverish with his lover returning them in kind.

Giving her one last deep kiss Kensuke moved a fraction closer relishing in the warm moistness of his first and only love. The deeper he pushed in the tighter and warmer Rei felt, her wetness helping him move along into her body. As he felt her become used to his invasion all progress was stopped as he felt the barrier to his movement and proof of her purity. As his dick made contact Rei felt an electric jolt from his touch. She also understood what needed to happen next.

Grabbing her lover's head she brought his mouth to hers for a mind searing kiss before she found her voice and moaned softly into his ear, "Before you ask, I'm ready. Ready for you to make me yours Kensuke. Go ahead, you'll not hurt me," finishing she gave the teen another emotion filled kiss.

Kensuke nodded as he was lost for words after that last kiss. He just nodded and wrapped Rei's upper body in a tight hug just before he bucked his hips forward forcing his way past her hymen. As he felt himself bottom out he stopped moving, all he did was hold Rei tightly and kiss her tears away.

Unlike the video tapes and magazines he and Toji had looked at over the years Kensuke knew not to rush. This first time was all about Rei and her pleasure so it unnerved him a little to see the 'Ice Queen' of the Tokyo III school system shed tears. To him she was the most confident girl he knew with only her sister in law Asuka showing a stronger mix of confidence and bravado. That was confirmed in his mind after witnessing the girl and her husband in the theater earlier that evening. Now however, was all time for Rei. As he kissed her he began to feel her relax the muscles she had tensed during his penetration.

"Rei?" he began to ask.

"It is fine Kensuke, the pain is gone and all I feel is you and...intense pleasure," the girl softly replied, "You may move if you wish however it's quite pleasurable just feeling you inside me as you hold me tight."

Kensuke swore she had one of Asuka's 'kitty smiles' as she mentioned how she found his embrace pleasurable. At her words though he began to move again only this time Rei was starting to meet his thrusts. Kensuke didn't move as fast and as hard as he could, he remembered Shinji telling him that while he wanted his sister to wait he knew that was asking a lot. He just gave advice to his some what friend about the 'first' time and that his partner would feel fine at first but would hurt in the hours following. Hence the slow and restrained movements.

Rei was thinking along the same lines as she had a similar talk with Asuka. Asuka however pulled no punches and flat out told the blue haired girl that she would hurt a lot the next day. Knowing that she was thankful that Kensuke was being as gentle as he was even so, the pleasure she felt was building. As she held her lover in a tight embrace she began to relax and loosen up as Kensuke began to slowly withdraw from her depths a few millimeters at a time. As he pulled back a bit she hissed in pleasure and gasped in joy as the stroke was reversed.

Slowly but surely the distance and speed of each thrust and withdrawal began to increase and as it did Rei found herself moving in counterpoint to Kensuke's actions. Eventually she began to buck her hips forward to meet her lover so he could bury himself deep into her folds. As this was happening both Rei and Kensuke began to breath as if they were running a marathon and their bodies were soon covered in a sheen of sweat. With each thrust Rei began to feel a pressure that was centered in her groin began to build to unbelievable heights. Seizing her lover's lips she clung onto Kensuke like a person clung to a life ring as she took in such deep breaths that she felt as if she were drowning. Just as she couldn't take it anymore the pressure she had been feeling exploded into a white haze as she tensed up, her orgasm hitting at once like an N2 mine detonating point blank.

As Rei's orgasm hit her vaginal muscles clamped down on Kensuke's member like a fleshy vice. Her death grip on him coupled by her internal heat and velvet feel sent him over the edge. As they both tensed up Kensuke drove into his lover as deeply as he could and held himself there, his hands on her upper hips near her waist and emptied himself into the condom that he was aware enough to put on before hand. From the feel of things he was glad he had done so since he was sure that he and Rei would have been parents right now.

As his world faded to black the young man let himself fall onto Rei and held her in a loving embrace as she recovered from her own tidal wave of pleasure. Rei smiled as she felt him still deep inside her but slowly losing his firmness as he slowly slipped outside of her. The sensation of that action was enough to draw out one last small orgasm as she felt the heat of his manhood settle next to her rather sensitive pleasure button.

As they recovered Rei looked into Kensuke's eyes and smiled, "Now I know why my sister in law enjoys being with my brother so much. This is something that I can get used to and enjoy a great deal. Thank you my love."

"For what?" Kensuke asked, a little confused.

"For being so gentle and patient. I know that waiting for me was very difficult for you but feeling you inside of me like that tonight was worth the wait. You were so gentle with me and I loved every minute of our love making."

"I'm glad, I was worried that I had hurt you and that I wouldn't be like Shinji was with Asuka. Seeing and hearing then in action kind of made me think that I'd not be good enough for you."

"Don't fell that way, you're all I want because you're you, not my brother. Shinji is Shinji and he expresses himself in a different manner. He and Asuka are perfect for each other just as you and I are made for each other. They're a little more open in where and when they make love but you what?"

"No, what?" Kensuke replied as he kissed Rei on the tip of her nose causing her to giggle slightly.

"I wouldn't mind finding a matching set of costumes and having our own fun in public. That is if you're interested in doing that kind of thing."

"It would be fun but your father..."

"Gendo," she corrected with a frown.

"Gendo. Gendo has you on surveillance that's locked onto you so tight it's a wonder we have any privacy in our apartment. I doubt he'd be happy to see video of the little girl he raised having raw..kiss...dirty...kiss...sex in public."

Rei shivered as she felt her lover's lips caress her neck and throat while he spoke to her. Raw, dirty sex, in a public place, for all to see. Somehow it turned the girl on just thinking about doing something that bold. As she thought of Gendo Ikari having a stroke as he watched the video if what his sweet little Rei was doing she smiled. She knew the man was trying to change but ever since she found out that he was willing to use her to seduce her half brother her opinion of him had changed. It would take a lot of time before she saw Gendo Ikari as any sort of father. She had Kensuke and she had her brother and sister in law, they were more than enough. With a satisfied smile Rei wrapped her arms around Kensuke and the two drifted asleep, they had to be up in a few hours and prepare for Kensuke's return to school.

Little did they know that in the next twelve hours Shinji and Rei would face an angel unlike any they'd seen so far and it would take all they had to remove it from this world.

A/N;

Okay, I am soooo sorry for the long wait, when I got to this chapter I had a huge block and nothing I would write was fitting into the overall tone of the story as a whole. As I tried to get this story updated I had an attack of the plot bunnies and my Naruto story 'Tip Of The Spear' took off in popularity and the chapters for that just flowed to the keyboard. That said, I never forgot about this and would work on it over the time from the last update. Things didn't gel for me until I read a one shot by Panther2G called 'Costumes and Games'. It's a great story that is just on the border of lime, not graphic but Panther has a way of painting mental pictures in his stories that just defines the less is more school of thought. Having said that "Costumes and Games" was what inspired the Sagara's cosplay while the actual love making in the theater came from a story that was posted on Media Miner called Passage. It deals with life in post 3I Tokyo3 as told mostly from Hikari's point of view. Shinji and Asuka are there as is Kensuke but not everyone came back. Anyway, this story is a great one shot and it's the inspiration for the Sagara's penchant for making love in public places.

Anyway, reading it I called dibs on using it as inspiration for a chapter in Welcome To The Machine. If you've read this and Panther's 'Advice and Trust' (and if not why haven't you?) you'll notice some similarities between the two most notably Rei getting help to wean herself off of the drug cocktail she's been drowning in for years. In my story it was Kensuke that was the one to help her and in Panther's it was Shinji and Asuka. This was a complete coincidence but shows how hard it can be to be original in a series that's so old. One of the things I enjoy about writing for NGE is that the series is so old that the audience is more mature and being more mature means that the humor that I try to put into the story is more subtle than what I write for Naruto.

Now, I know that this is a Shinji and Asuka story but Rei and Kensuke are an important part of it and they deserve a chapter or two mostly devoted to themselves and their developing relationship. In this chapter I wanted to show Kensuke somehow having his otaku tendencies and curiosity reigned in and what better way than to have a fellow, if older, otaku have a serious talk with him. It just happened that Kazama Shinji in Full Metal Panic was as big if not bigger otaku than Kensuke is. That he happened in this story to be a national war hero and Arm Slave Ace as well as his case officer is just that much more influence on Aida-san and his ego. The talk as you've seen did it's job but whether or not it sticks is up for debate.

As you can also see Rei has her moment of family history as she talks to Kyoko about her brother's early life. I want to paint Rei in a different light than earlier stories, yes she's his sister but unlike the others she and Shinji know of their connection before 3I and unlike the post 3I tales where she and her brother experience their lives in instrumentality she has to learn about Shinji through other people that's known him since he was a child. Rei is a typical little sister in many ways and a unique one in others. Her reaction to her siblings making love in public was so Rei that it completely was the opposite of Hikari's to the point that it screwed with everyone's mind. I picture Rei as an innocent in many ways and experienced in others. This version of Rei is based on my two sisters, specifically the way they were in their freshman year in high school in the late seventies. My baby sister especially was prone to say something that could be taken two ways and most of the time it was around a bunch of horny 16 and 17 year old males. To watch them have their train of thought derail when she yelled out while putting together a shelf that she couldn't talk on the phone because she was 'screwing' was priceless. So yes, this Rei is based on my little sisters.

Now, when it came to take Rei and Kensuke's relationship to the next level I tried to get the feel of the scene different from Shinji and Asuka. Where Rei and Kensuke are very gentle with each other, partly because they're starting out and Kensuke wanted Rei's first time to be special, they don't have the urgency of Shinji and Asuka. Those two have an almost eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die urgency in their lovemaking because face it, how many times have they faced off with bad people wanting to kill them, giant psychotic aliens not withstanding. Truth to be told, I'm falling in love with Rei and Kensuke's relationship since it's such a blank slate.

Now, time for some happy news not concerning my story, "Unbroken", by Donderkind has been raised from the dead. After a nearly four year gap the story, if you've not seen it, has updated. If you've never read it do so, it's a very good do-over tale with Asuka in the main role.

Recommendations for NGE stories,

Life After EVA, a post 3I tale that was incomplete for ten years before the author decided to finish it. This was finished a few years ago but is worth the mention.

Advice and Trust, a very good reworking of the canon story that expands on the question What would have happened if Asuka and Shinji had just sat down and talked? Nearing it's end but there's still a lot to go. as mentioned earlier Panther 2G has a way with words that lets you paint the picture of Shinji and Asuka being intimate without coming out and saying it.

The Swim Of Things, on Media Miner tells of the key players of Evangelion again in a post 3I world. Over the course of the story we see love bloom between Shinji and Asuka as well as Kensuke and Rei. This story had a part in inspiring me to write about Rei and Kensuke. It also shows Asuka in her weakest moments since the canon events and how she confronts her past in Germany. My only complaint is that it's not finished and most likely never will be.

That's all for now, I'll try to post an update sooner.